| Ever said to yourself, it's 5:00 o'clock and what's | | | | Think about what you have already on hand to |
| for dinner?!? Yikes! A simple menu plan may | | | | prepare the meal with and add what's needed to |
| eliminate some of this stress!To get started, | | | | your grocery list on the other side of the sheet |
| check the family calendar. Grab the grocery sales | | | | of paper. Continue with the other days of the |
| ads, a sheet of paper, a pen and your favorite | | | | week.While planning, think about "planned |
| recipes or cookbooks. Yes, and pour yourself a | | | | leftovers" or slowcooker meals for your busy |
| glass of iced tea or brew a cup of your favorite | | | | days. Slowcooker meals are also great for |
| hot tea.Next, fold your sheet of paper into | | | | Sunday lunch when you come home from church. |
| eighths by folding in half, side-to-side, then fold in | | | | Cooking at home will save you tons of money |
| half, top-to-bottom and again top-to-bottom. Now | | | | over taking the whole family out for a meal! Make |
| label the eight squares: meat, dairy, produce, | | | | an extra meal (which can be frozen) on the days |
| canned, bakery, frozen, staples and non-food. On | | | | you have more time. Don't forget about plans for |
| the other side of the paper; label the squares with | | | | breakfast and lunch! After making your menu |
| the days of the week.Then, check the pantry, | | | | plan, add other non-food items that you'll need to |
| freezer and the refrigerator for what supplies you | | | | purchase this week.Go shopping with your |
| are starting with. Before you begin planning; check | | | | list!After shopping, think about what can be done |
| the grocery sales ads to see what the specials | | | | as you put the groceries away. Boil some eggs |
| are.Now, what will you have for dinner on grocery | | | | for a quick egg salad later in the week. This is |
| shopping day? This is important to decide. I've | | | | also a good time to squeeze in a double batch of |
| found that it's best to either make dinner with | | | | Jell-o with fruit for dessert or snack this week. |
| what you already have at home or plan an easy | | | | Instead of freezing that large roast you bought |
| meal for this night, just depends on your schedule. | | | | on sale, go ahead and start cooking it on low in |
| Write down each day's menu, then list what side | | | | the slowcooker. |
| dish, bread, dessert or salad that you will prepare. | | | | |